mslm.

The mslm. project is a celebration of self and identity. This has simultaneously been the most exciting and depressing time to be a Muslim. Not a week goes by where we don't see a story in the media that deeply hurts my spirit and tries to tell us who we are and what we stand for. The effects of this constant misrepresentation and detachment from our reality is exhausting. The exciting half of all this is that I've never felt closer to this community. It feels as if this shared exhaustion has forced us to erase divides within ourself and accept one another. It's also exciting to see so many creators using art to raise their voices and challenge perception head on. We need this now more than ever and it warms my heart every time I see it happen.

I created this project in an effort to take charge of our narrative and express proudly that this is what a Muslim actually looks like. I reject all the labels forced upon me and chose to label myself, on my forehead, with intention, and with pride. This is my small contribution to spread more meaningful conversation and help create more awareness and understanding.